Cargo decking beam system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use within a cargo container. The system comprises vertical mounting posts that include a plurality of spaced openings and a slider track with obliquely angled guide channels. Decking beams are selectively adjustable in height along the posts by engaging the openings with end assemblies slidably disposed within the ends of the beams. The posts can accommodate alternative beam end configurations. One configuration includes a foot with angled guide edges slidably captured within the guide channels. An alternate configuration comprises coupled plates that fit directly into the openings and a swivel latched to provide a retaining force. This alternate configuration has an identical latch mechanism at both ends and is reversibly mountable within the decking beam.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/894,885, filed 23 Oct. 2013, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/969,086, filed 21 Mar. 2014 thetechnical disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of cargo containersand more specifically to a system of adjustable load beams that providedecking to divide the cargo container into multiple levels of payload.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In freight transportation it is often desirable to stack cargo inmultiple levels to take full advantage of the available height ofcontainers such as truck trailers, aircraft, railroad cars, and othersimilar cargo containers. To facilitate this process it is commonpractice to employ removable decking beams capable of supporting theweight of heavy payloads.

Typically such decking beams are adjustable, allowing them to berepositioned within a cargo container at various heights and horizontalintervals, depending on the size and nature of the cargo.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical cargo beam and decking system in accordancewith the prior art. FIG. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a trucktrailer containing two rows and stacks of cargo pallets. As shown, aseries of vertical mounting tracks 10 line the walls along the length ofthe cargo container. Each of the mounting tracks 10 includes a series ofopenings for adjusting the height of the decking beams. In the presentexample four decking beams 20 span the width of the trailer, providingsupport for the top layer of cargo pallets 30.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an adjustable decking beam in accordance withthe prior art. The beam 40 comprises a central section 50 that is hollowand two adjustable end pieces 60, 70 that are slidably disposed withinthe ends of the beam. Each end piece further comprises a “foot” 65, 75that can be slidably disposed along the vertical mounting tracks shownin FIG. 1.

The feet have trigger, locking mechanisms 80 that engage and disengagewith the openings in the mounting tracks, thereby allowing the beams tobe locked into place at different heights, according to the needs of theuser.

Several problems arise with the current designs of decking beams. In theevent one end of the beam is dropped to the floor, the opposite endoften damages the vertical mounting track.

In addition, most current models support the beam with two outsidepieces with the trigger mechanism enclosed in the middle. However, oncethe outside pieces are bent, the enclosed trigger mechanism becomesinoperative, and the beam is out of service. Similarly, some prior artdesigns use outside trigger mechanism, which encounter the same problem.They are easily bent, putting the whole beam out of service.

Another common problem with prior art decking beams is the possibilityof the beam being dented or bent during the loading/unloading process.One approach for addressing this problem involves increasing the widthof the top surface of the beam relative to the bottom.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross sectional views of different prior art designsfor decking beams with wider top widths than bottom widths. Theincreased top width increases the area over which the load of the cargois distributed, reducing potential damage to the cargo due to cutting bythe beam. The extended top width also provides additional structuralstrength to prevent the side surface from bending in case cargo impactsthe side of the beam during loading. In both examples, the wide-topbeams have a general T-shape.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the extended edges form hollow, square,box-like structures 90, 100 perpendicular to the main body 101 of thebeam. In FIG. 4, the extended edges 110, 111 are cantilevered from themain body of the beam as shown. Unfortunately, the geometricconfigurations of these prior art designs make the extended edges of thebeam tops vulnerable to structural damage.

Therefore, there is a need in the freight industry for a more robustdecking beam system that is more resilient to damage from the oftenrough conditions of loading and unloading heavy cargo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an adjustable decking system for use in acargo container. The decking apparatus comprises at least one pair ofvertical mounting posts configured to be attached on the interior wallsof a cargo container. The mounting posts have a plurality of spacedopenings and a capture slider track that forms obliquely angled guidechannels. The system includes at least one decking beam configured tosupport cargo loads. The decking beam further comprises end assembliesslidably disposed within opposite ends of the beam and configured toattach the beam member to the mounting posts, wherein the decking beamis selectively adjustable in height along the mounting posts. There aretwo alternative configurations for the end assemblies, both of which areaccommodated by the mounting post.

The first end assembly configuration comprises a foot section pivotallycoupled to a beam end body. The foot includes obliquely angled guideedges that are slidably captured within the guide channels in the slidertrack, and an internal locking plate that slides into and out of theopenings by means of a locking arm coupled to the locking plate.

The second alternative end assembly configuration comprises is areversible end assembly with identical latch mechanisms at both ends ofthe assembly. The end assembly is formed from two C-shaped platescoupled back-to-back. At both ends the plates are shaped into a tab thatfit into the openings in the mounting track. The tab has a retaining lipformed on the bottom to engage the mounting post when inserted throughthe openings and a notch in the top surface that provides room for theretaining lip to be inserted into and lifted out of the openings. Aninternal swivel latch sandwiched between the plates fills the verticalspace left by the notch when in a closed position, thereby providing aretaining force to prevent the retaining lip from lifting out of theopenings.

The spaced openings in the mounting posts are either industry standard“A” or “E” slots, making the mounting posts compatible withoff-the-shelf beams and straps in addition to the beam end assemblies ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, willbest be understood by reference to the following detailed description ofan illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a truck trailer employing acargo beam and decking system in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an adjustable decking beam in accordance withthe prior art;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a decking beam with a wider topwidth than bottom width in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate decking beam with awider top width than bottom width in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable decking beam in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view of the sliding end piece of adecking beam in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the sliding end of a decking beam inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the foot section of a decking beam inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an assembled foot section in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the foot section in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the foot section in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a reversible beam end in accordance with analternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an end-on view of the reversible beam end in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side, cross-section view of the reversible beam end inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the reversible beam end in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a captive mounting post in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a top, cross-section view of the captive mounting post inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a top, cross-section view of the foot section of a slidingbeam end inserted into the captive mounting post in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 is a top, cross-section view of a reversible beam end insertedinto the mounting post in accordance with an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the captivemounting post in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a mounting post without the slidertrack;

FIG. 21B shows an insert for a captive mounting post in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the sliding beam end inserted into thecaptive mounting post insert in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the reversible beam end inserted intothe captive mounting post insert in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a slider track insert for a mountingpost in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a top, cross-section view of the of the mounting post insertshown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the slidertrack insert in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a top, cross-section view of the slider track insert shown inFIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a captivemounting post insert in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a top, cross-section view of the mounting post insert shownin FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the slidingbeam end foot designed for use with the mounting post inserts shown inFIGS. 28 and 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a wide-top decking beam in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 32 is an end on, cross-sectional view of the wide-top decking beam;

FIG. 33 is a cross section view of an inter-beam decking bridge inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 34 is front view of a mounting post with industry standard E slotsin accordance with the prior art; and

FIG. 35 is a top, cross-section view of an E slot in accordance with theprior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention provides an adjustable cargo decking beam systemthat is very resistant to damage from impact by heavy cargo loads andcan be replaced in modular fashion in the unlikely event of such damage,thereby reducing operating costs.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of an adjustable deckingbeam is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The beam end body 500 slidably inserts into the opening at the end ofthe decking beam member 700 as shown. An identical beam end (not shown)is inserted at the opposite end of the beam 700. In this particularexample, the beam member 700 has a wide top configuration (explained inmore detail below), but it should be emphasized the beam end 500 iscompatible with other types of decking beams.

Elongated slots 510 on either side of the beam end 500 allow theposition of the beam end to be telescopically adjusted. A retaining bolt710 extends through the sides of the decking beam 700 (see also FIGS. 31and 32) and is slidably disposed within the slots 510 of the beam end500. The beam 700 is mounted by means of the “foot” 520 that ispivotally coupled to the beam end 500 as shown.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view of the sliding end piece of adecking beam in accordance with the present invention. In this figure,the sliding beam end 500 is shown in isolation without the decking beam.The cross section better illustrates the pivoting locking plate 521 inthe center of the “foot” 520 of the beam end. This locking plate 520engages openings in the mounting post 800 to secure the beam in place.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the sliding end of a decking beam inaccordance with the present invention. In this view, one can better seethe locking arm 522 inside the foot 520 that moves the locking plate 521in and out of the retaining slots in the mounting post 800.

FIGS. 8-11 show the foot section of the beam end in greater detail. FIG.8 is an exploded view of the foot section of a decking beam inaccordance with the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view ofan assembled foot section. The U-shaped locking arm 522 flanks the sideof the center locking plate 521, which itself comprises three plates inthis particular example. The center plate 523 has a recess toaccommodate the locking plate. The upper and lower spacer plates 524,525 between the outer plates 526, 527 and the center plate 523 definethe movement path of the pivot lever 521 as well as provide mechanicalreinforcement to protect the operation of the locking arm and lockingplate.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the foot section. FIG. 11 shows a front viewof the foot section. The front view illustrates how the layered spacerplates between the outer plates and the center plate provide mechanicalreinforcement to protect the operation of the locking arm 522 andlocking plate 521, which is securely sandwiched between the outerplates. FIG. 11 also clearly shows the outward, obliquely angled guideedges 530 formed from the outer plates that track within the mountingpost guide channels (see FIG. 18).

In addition to the mechanical strength provided by its design, in apreferred embodiment of the beam end, the foot 520 is constructed fromsteel. In contrast, most foot sections in prior art beam systems aremade of aluminum, making them more vulnerable to damage.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a reversible beam end 600 in accordance withan alternate embodiment of the present invention. It is sometimesreferred to as a replacement channel assembly, beam head assembly,decking beam head, e beam end plug or simply the end piece. In oneembodiment, the beam end comprises a steel insert that fits into analuminum extrusion to complete the e beam, which locks into an e trackon the side wall of a trailer or truck body (described below).

Like the beam end embodiment described above, the reversible beam 600 isalso telescopically disposed within the ends of a decking beam,employing adjustment slots 601. However, in this alternate embodiment ofthe adjustable beam end there is no separate foot section. The latchmechanism comprises a tab formed from the back-to-back coupled plates640, 650, which inserts directly into the openings in the mounting post(see FIG. 23). The swivel latch 610 mounted on the tab is operated bymeans of a pull handle 611 that extends through a slot 620 in the beamplate as shown. The latch can be locked in place by means of bullet lockholes 630 in the latch and beam plates that align when the latch is inthe closed position (see FIG. 14).

The great advantage of this embodiment is that both ends have identicallatch mechanisms. In the even that the latch mechanism becomes damagedthe user can simply remove the beam end from the decking beam andreinsert it in reverse and use the opposite end.

FIG. 13 is an end-on view of the reversible beam end. A shown, in thisembodiment two C-shaped beam plates 640, 650 are coupled back-to-backfor increased mechanical reinforcement. The extension of track stops 660from the center of the beam end control the depth of insertion into theslider post (see FIG. 19).

FIG. 14 is a side, cross-section view of the reversible beam end inaccordance with the present invention. This view more clearly shows theswivel latch 610 on the end tab that is sandwiched between the plates640, 650. The left side of the beam end illustrates the latch mechanismin the open position, while the right side shows the latch in the closedposition. By default the swivel latch 610 is held in the closed positionby a return spring 670 recessed into the spacer plate 680. The spacerplate 680 defines the path of movement of the swivel latch 610 as shown.

In the closed position, the beam end is held within an opening of themounting post by means of a fixed lower retaining lip 690 formed at thebottom of the end tab and the swivel latch 610 at the top (see FIG. 23).As shown, the spacing plate 680 of in the latch mechanism is also shapedto form part of the fixed retaining lip 690.

To open the latch, the user depresses the pull handle 611, compressingthe return spring 670. As shown on the left side of FIG. 14, when thepull handle 611 is depressed and the swivel latch 610 pulled into theopen position a space is created at the top edge of the beam end,creating space to lift the lower retaining lip 690 up and out of themounting post.

As shown on the right side of the beam end, when the latch is in theclosed position the bullet lock holes 630 in the beam plate 640 andswivel latch 610 align, allowing a lock to be inserted to secure thelatch.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the reversible beam end in accordancewith the present invention. In this example, the components of thereversible beam end are held together by flat head rivets 691 as shown.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a captive mounting post in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a top,cross-section view of the mounting post. Such posts would be mounted onopposite sides of the cargo container at regular intervals in a mannersimilar to that shown in FIG. 1. The mounting post 800 comprises aslider track with obliquely (non-orthogonally) angled retaining walls810 that form symmetrical, obliquely-angled capture guide channels 811within which the foot section 520 of the beam end 500 can track.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the mounting post has a row of spacedopenings 820 along its length in the form of “A” slots, a standardconfiguration used in shipping and freight industry. More specifically,the industry standard for an A slot is a rectangular opening withdimensions of approximately 5″×1.25″ (12.7 cm×3.18 cm).

An alternative industry standard slot is the “E” slot shown in FIGS. 34and 35. As shown in the figures, the E slot 1500 has a roughly “dogbone” shape to it. The industry standard for the dimensions of an E slotis approximately 2.41″ (6.12 cm) length, 0.5″ (1.27 cm) narrow centerwidth, and 0.56″ (1.42 cm) end width. The majority of logistic postsused in the shipping industry today employ the A slot configuration,however E slots are not uncommon.

For ease and economy of illustration all of the example embodiments ofthe present invention are illustrated using A slots. However, it shouldbe emphasized that all embodiments of the present invention can beimplemented just as easily with E slots in the mounting posts and slidertracks. Furthermore, both of the alternative beam end embodiments 500and 600 are compatible with both “A” and “E” slots without anymodification.

The mounting post of the present invention is a unique design that has amulti-use feature. Conventional side posts for trailers, truck bodies,or containers have different configurations to be used as a supportmember of the “box” regardless of its use. Typically, prior art logisticside posts have A or E slots punched into the post so that E beams orstraps may be used to connect to the side post. Additionally, verticalor horizontal A or E slots might be used in conjunction with thelogistic post.

The mounting post of the present invention provides a slider feature inaddition to the standard logistic post. The slider track is configuredfor a “slider” or beam channel assembly such as sliding beam end 500that when attached to a beam becomes a slidably adjustable deckingsystem. Prior art systems must insert their own additional track into ahat-shaped side post to accommodate their adjustable deck or captivebeam system. The present invention is unique in that with thelogistic/slider post, no additional track is required.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting post ismade of steel making it stronger and less vulnerable to damage thanprior art logistic posts, which are typically made of aluminum.

FIG. 18 is a top, cross-section view a sliding beam end 500 insertedinto the captive mounting post 800 in accordance with the presentinvention. In this embodiment of the invention, the obliquely angledretaining walls 810 of the slider track are angled inward at an angleparallel to the outward angled guide edges 530 of the foot section 520,allowing the foot to fit slidably within the guide channels.

Referring back to FIG. 16, the locking plate 521 of the foot sectioninserts into the A slot openings 820 to secure the beam end place, asshown in FIG. 18. Referring back to FIG. 6, the cross-section view alsoshows the locking plate 521 inserted into the mounting post 800. Again,it should be emphasized that the locking plate 521 can also fit into anindustry standard E slot as well without any modification.

When the locking plate 521 is secured in an opening 820 in the mountingpost 800, the guide edges 530 of the foot are pushed back against theangled retaining walls 810 of the mounting post, thereby applyingadditional retaining force to secure the beam end in place.

The captive mounting post design of the present invention is alsocompatible with the reversible beam end.

FIG. 19 is a top, cross-section view of a reversible beam end 600inserted into the mounting post 800 in accordance with an alternateembodiment of the present invention. The latch 610 of the reversiblebeam end fits into the openings (either A or E slots) in the centertrack of the mounting post (see also FIG. 23). As illustrated in FIG.19, the track stops 660 extending outward from the beam plates controlthe depth of the insertion of the beam end into the openings in themounting post 800. Additionally, the track stops 660 provide an opposingretaining force on the front side of the mounting post while theretaining lip of the latch mechanism provides a retaining force on theback side of the mounting post.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the captiveslider post in accordance with the present invention. Like theembodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, this embodiment includes angledretaining walls 910 that form obliquely angled guide channels 911.However, the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 also includes an elevatedcenter track 930 that is approximately even with the edges of the angledretaining walls 910.

This elevated center track 930 also comprises obliquely angled sides 931that run parallel to the outer retaining walls 910, forming deeper guidechannels 911 that conform more closely to the foot of the beam end thanthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18. The elevated center track 930 alsobrings the openings 920 closer to the foot section, allowing the lockingplate to fit deeper into the openings.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a mounting post 1040 without theslider track. It lacks the angled retaining walls that form guidechannels to secure the beam end in place. FIG. 21B shows a retrofitinsert 1000 for a captive slider track in accordance with the presentinvention. The insert 1000 fits into the central track of the mountingpost and provides angled outer retaining walls 1010 and parallel angledsides 1020 for the center track, thereby forming guide channels 1030 forthe beam end. The insert 1000 is thus able to replicate the slider trackcross-section of the mounting post 900 depicted in FIG. 20.

As with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16-20, the slider track insert1000 is compatible with both the sliding beam end 500 and the reversiblebeam end 600 embodiments. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the foot of asliding beam end 500 with the foot section 520 inserted into the captiveslider track insert 1000. FIG. 23 shows the reversible beam end 600inserted into the captive slider track insert 1000. The examples shownin FIGS. 22 and 23 depict the beam ends inserted into A slots, but theyare equally compatible with an E slot configuration in the slider track.

As with the other embodiments of the mounting post, the post 1040 andslider track insert 1000 are made of steel in a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a slider track insert in accordancewith an alternate embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a top,cross-section view of the of the slider track insert. In this embodimentof the present invention the insert comprises two angled, outerretaining walls 1110 that are not integral with the mounting post 1100.Instead they are attached to the outer edges of the slider track to formangled guide channels 1120 as shown in the FIG. 25.

In the present example, optional wall plates 1130 are inserted betweenthe frame of the mounting track 1100 and the angled retaining wallinserts 1110. These plates extend between adjacent mounting posts alongthe walls of the cargo container to produce a raised inner wall in thecargo container. The effect of this inner wall is to effectively recessthe slider tracks of the mounting posts as shown in FIG. 24. These innerwall plates 1130 can also be used with any of the embodiments of themounting tracks of the present invention to create this recessed effect.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the retrofitslider track insert in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 27 isa top, cross-section view of the slider track insert shown in FIG. 26.As shown in FIG. 26, and emphasize throughout this discussion, theslider track in the mounting post of the present invention is compatiblewith alternate embodiments of the beam end assembly. In the exampleshown, both the sliding beam end assembly 500 and the reversible beamend assembly 600 are pictured mounted in the same slider track.

As illustrated more clearly in the cross-section view of FIG. 27, theunderlying mounting post 1200 does not have any angled walls or a centertrack to form guide channels. It is essentially an empty rectangularspace. The angled retaining surfaces of the capture slider track areprovided entirely by the insert 1210 as shown. Like the example shown inFIGS. 24 and 25, this embodiment also includes wall plates 1220 toproduce a recessed track effect. As with the previous example, the wallplates are optional.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of amounting post insert in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 29is a top, cross-section view of the mounting post insert shown in FIG.28. As with the example shown in FIG. 27, the mounting post 1300 in thisexample does not have a captive slider track with angled retainingwalls. Rather, the capture features are provided by the insert 1310.

In this embodiment the sides 1311 of the center track obliquely angleinward rather than outward, thereby forming inwardly sloping guidechannels 1320. The mechanical advantages of this design can beappreciated with reference to FIG. 30.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the slidingbeam end foot designed for use with the mounting post inserts shown inFIGS. 28 and 29. As can be seen in the figure, the guide edges 1340 inthis embodiment of the foot obliquely angle inward to match the inwardslope of the center track walls 1311. This design obviates the need forthe outer angled retaining walls found in the other slider trackembodiments of the present invention. Because the guide edges 1340 ofthe foot angle inward, the retaining force is applied differently inthis embodiment. Referring back to FIG. 18, when the locking plate ofthe foot is engaged with the mounting post, the outward angled guideedges 530 are pushed back against the angled outer retaining walls 810.In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, when the locking plateengages an opening in the center track, the inward angled guide edges1340 are pulled up against the inward angled side walls 1311 of thecenter track, effectively pinching or gripping the center track.

As with the other embodiments of the mounting post slider track insert,the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-30 can also be used with thereversible beam end embodiment of FIGS. 12-15, which can insert into theopenings (either A or E slots) in the center track.

It should be emphasized that the captive slider post of the presentinvention is not limited to use with the beam end assemblies 500, 600illustrated above. It is also compatible with any off-the-shelf beam orstrap that is designed for industry standard A or E slots. Therefore,the slider post of the present invention works like a standard logisticpost in addition to a slider track for the adjustable decking system,with no need for different end fittings or additional tracks as withprior art mounting posts.

The captive beam system of the present invention allows the user tostore decking beams in the ceiling of the trailer or container when notin use. Prior arts systems must insert an additional aluminum track intoa conventional mounting post or use a separate aluminum post for thisfunction. In contrast, the present invention uses a multipurpose sidepost as described above. The multipurpose post of the present inventionserves as a support member in the sidewall, a logistic post, and aslider track when the beam channel assembly is inserted into the track,forming an adjustable decking system.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a wide-top decking beam in accordancewith the present invention. FIG. 32 is an end on, cross-sectional viewof the wide-top decking beam. In addition to providing improved beam endand mounting post embodiments as described above, the present inventionalso provides an improved decking beam 700 itself.

The top of the beam 700 has a width W′ that is greater than the width Wof the bottom of the beam. This increased width W′ provides greatersurface area on which cargo payloads can be placed, providing additionalstability to the load. It also distributes the load over a greater area,reducing the likelihood of the beam cutting into the payload. Theextended flanged edges 711, 712 of the beam top can also protect theside of the beam 700 against impact, which can often occur during theloading of cargo payloads.

An advantage of the decking beam of the present invention over priorarts designs is the increased strength of the flanged edges 711, 712 onthe top surface of the beam. As discussed above, the extended beam edgesfound in the prior art are vulnerable to damage from impact. Much ofthis has to do with the geometry of the beam designs and likely impactforce vectors from dropped or mishandled payloads.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the decking beam of the present inventionincludes obliquely angled struts 721, 722 along its length thatreinforce the flanged edges 711, 712 of the top surface. Along with thesides of the beam and flanged edges, the struts 721, 722 form triangulartrusses along the length of the beam. This triangular shape gives theextended beam top greater strength than prior art designs.

The triangle is the only two dimensional polygon that, if constructed ofrigid members, is absolutely fixed in shape up to the compressive andtensile limits of its members. A square, by contrast (see elements 90,100 illustrated in FIG. 3), can be misshapen into a parallelogram.Unlike other polygons, triangles do not change shape without a change inthe length of one of their sides. This inherent strength forms the basisfor the widespread use of triangles in architecture.

Given the same materials, the triangular cross section provided by thestruts 721, 722 in the wide-top decking beam of the present inventionprovides inherently greater structural strength than the T-shapeddesigns shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 33 shows a cross-section view of an inter-beam decking bridge inaccordance with the present invention. The bridge 1400 is designed tofit between two adjacent decking beams to form a solid deck or secondfloor and can be made of plastic or composite material. Each side of thebridge 1400 has a flanged lip 1410 long enough to rest across half thewidth of the top of a decking beam, leaving the other half of thedecking beam top surface free. This allows an adjacent bridge to beplaced on the other half of the beam to extend the flooring as needed.

The bridge 1400 has a recess 1420 in the center sized to fit on top of asingle decking beam for storage when not in use and the beam is storedat the top of the cargo container as described above. The beams andbridge are brought down one at a time as needed.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention, the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that numerous variations will be possible to thedisclosed embodiments without going outside the scope of the inventionas disclosed in the claims.

I claim:
 1. An adjustable decking system for use in a cargo container,the decking system comprising: (a) at least one pair of verticalmounting posts configured to be attached on opposite interior walls of acargo container, wherein each mounting post further comprises: (i) anelongate frame having a longitudinal cross-section with a raised centralridge flanked by first and second recessed channels on either side; (ii)a plurality of spaced openings along said raised central ridge; and(iii) an insert coupled to the mounting post, wherein the insert coverssaid central ridge with matching spaced openings and forms first andsecond obliquely angled capture guide channels within said first andsecond recessed channels, respectively, and wherein said capture guidechannels angle outward into said recessed channels from the raisedcentral ridge; (b) at least one hollow decking beam configured tosupport cargo loads; and (c) first and second end assemblies slidablydisposed within opposite ends of the decking beam, and wherein each endassembly further comprises a pivotally coupled foot section thatincludes: (i) obliquely angled guide edges configured to be slidablycaptured within said guide channels in the mounting post; and (ii) aninternal locking plate that slides into and out of said openings in themounting post by means of a locking arm coupled to the locking plate;(d) wherein said decking beam is selectively adjustable in height alongthe mounting posts by engaging and disengaging said spaced openings. 2.The decking beam system according to claim 1, where said spaced openingsin the mounting posts are configured as “A” slots.
 3. The decking beamsystem according to claim 1, where said spaced openings in the mountingposts are configured as “E” slots.
 4. The decking beam system accordingto claim 1, wherein the decking beam further comprises: a) an elongate,hollow body, open at opposite longitudinal ends, the hollow body furthercomprising: (i) identical first and second side walls, parallel to eachother and separated by a first width; (ii) a bottom wall equal to saidfirst width; (iii) a top wall with a second width greater than saidfirst width, wherein said second width extends equidistant laterallybeyond the first and second side walls, forming first and second flangedlateral edges with upper and lower surfaces, and wherein the uppersurface of the top wall, including said flanged lateral edges, forms adecking surface; (iv) wherein said first and second side walls, bottomwall, and top wall enclose a rectangular cross-section along alongitudinal axis of the hollow body; (b) a first rectangular strutextending lengthwise parallel to the longitudinal axis of said elongatehollow body and widthwise between a lower surface of the first flangedlateral edge and an outer surface of the first side wall, therebyenclosing a first triangular cross-section extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the elongate hollow body, wherein a width of thefirst strut defines a hypotenuse of said first triangular cross-section;and (c) a second rectangular strut, opposite said first strut, extendinglengthwise parallel to the longitudinal axis of said elongate hollowbody and widthwise between a lower surface of the second flanged lateraledge and an outer surface of the second side wall, thereby enclosing asecond triangular cross-section extending parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the elongate hollow body, wherein a width of the second strutdefines a hypotenuse of said second triangular cross-section; (d)wherein said first and second side walls, bottom wall, top wall, andfirst and second struts form a singular, integral beam.
 5. The deckingbeam system according to claim 1, further comprising an inter-beamdecking bridge configured to span between adjacent beams, wherein saidbridge provides a load bearing decking surface between beams and furthercomprises flanged lips at each end, wherein said flanged lips are longenough to cover approximately half a top width of a decking beam.
 6. Thedecking beam system according to claim 5, wherein the decking bridgefurther comprises a center recess in a bottom surface sized to fit atopa single decking beam for storage when not in use.
 7. The decking beamsystem according to claim 1, wherein the decking beam is configured tobe stored when not in use by engaging the beam with topmost ones of saidopenings in the mounting posts.